In 12 (and 20) ga events, which I shoot the most of, I am not conscious of pulling the gun in tight to my shoulder and I have done well but improvement is needed.

In using a 28 Ga, I had dismal 5 stand scores (10-12) vs my normal 18 -21 range, and for fun, 2 rounds of trap, the 1st dismal (14) but the second, after some thought, I pulled in tight and hit 22 with #8 and a full choke

So, I shot a round of skeet (tight pull in) and did very well by even 12 ga norms (22).

So I am wondering what was going on before? I think that I may have moved the lighter gun off course in actuating the trigger, and the heavier 12 masked that effect.

Better shooters become fluid with whatever style THEY choose.. I was taught to firmly hold the gun.. and be in 100% control of both ends.. If you get sloopy holding the gun... you'll get sloopy shooting the gun.. No.. not a death grip.. just firmly in the pocket.. If you can ammagine a piece of paper flapping out of your grip on the forend..firm enough for no one to grab and snatch the paper.. You'll be about right..

I hold my gun very firmly into my shoulder. I also (when I remember) grip the gun rather tight with both my right and left hand. Solid griping of the gun allows me to move the gun only by moving the trunk of my body, not my arms.